Gorillaz Creator Gets Design Award

The creator of UK virtual band the Gorillaz has been named designer of the year by the Design Museum in London.

Jamie Hewlett won the award up against product designer Tom Dixon, Architecture for Humanity's Cameron Sinclair and the redesign team at the UK newspaper the Guardian. Announced May 22 the winner of the award is decided upon by both a Design museum jury and then also voted on by the public.

Hewlett was a cult comic artist before creating 2D (aka Stu-Pot), Noodle, Russel Hobbs and Murdoc Niccals the fictional cartoon members of the Gorillaz. Created with Blur frontman Damon Albarn the band has released two successful albums Gorillaz and their most recent release 2005's Demon Days. Hewlett designed not only the band but their animation, website and their 'live performances'.

The prize includes 25,000 pounds and of course the recognition of those in the design community.